Five CLC staff and students were recently asked about their opinions on whether a 14-year-old is too young for love.

The five shared a similar opinion about people dating at 14: It depends. 

Daniel Killins, coordinator of the African American Student Outreach Program, said people should wait at least until 16.

“Fourteen is too young because that’s eighth grade going into freshman year of high school,” Killins said. “But I do believe that going to distance and letting the child start at least by 16, would be better off.”

Alyssa Bolon, a CLC student from Antioch, said dating young is OK as long as the teens engage in harmless activities.

“Dating at 14 can be acceptable as long as it’s just exploring options,” Bolon said. “It should be taken slow, and it should be the basics, holding hands, little kisses, going on cute movie theater dates, and that’s it.”

Others said it’s not just the age, but the level of maturity and trust that matters.

Sgt. Gary Duhamel, a CLC police officer and father, said every person’s situation is different and that it comes down to the decision of the parents, whether the child is mature, and that there’s trust between both parties.

“It depends on the child’s maturity and the level of shared trust between the child and the parents,” Duhamel said. “You have to have that great conversation between the parents and the child, and you have to structure it, and then you give your child a little bit of freedom on that and you see how they do.”

Duhamel added that with the assistance of the internet, teens want more freedom from their parents. 

“They want to grow up so fast, and have the [advantage] of technology,” Duhamel said. “You can do everything on a text. You can set up a meeting spot, you can go, and mom and dad are now both working.”

Natalia Souza de Jesus, a CLC student from Salvador, Brazil, said social media and films have given teenagers the impression of what romance could be like, prompting them to start dating at a young age.

“A lot of times they just see media,” Souza de Jesus said. “They see a lot of movies, and they want to have that falling in love experience.”

Liam Fox, a 20-year-old CLC student, said there are dangers of individuals who prey on unsuspecting teenagers.

“With online dating, there’s a lot of predatory encounters you might face,” Fox said.

Despite the dangers that come with dating, others added that dating at a young age can aid self-reflection.

“It gets you to begin to develop a better understanding of yourself,” Fox said. “What you do and don’t appreciate from a partner.”

Bolon added that it’s an opportunity to gain experience early.

“It gives you experience and teaches you to navigate romantic situations,” Bolon said.